Friday, January 05, 2007

Illustration Friday: Buzz

My submissions for Illustration Friday's "Buzz" are wine labels that I did for Justin VineYards in 1992. I have submitted Honey House on another occasion so I decided to go with the buzz from wine. I did these paintings for Justin in the early 90's when his wine was very limited edition and they built a beautiful bed & breakfast with wine tasting in Paso Robles.When they choose an artist you must paint the Vineyard so this was the perfect job for me! I met them in Topanga, they used to live here and they asked me if I knew the artist who painted Strumpeter, I laughed and told them I was the artist and they wanted me to do not only the main wine label but another one for a wine they were introducing called "Nebbiolo". My labels were well received and they won several awards! I thought that only wine was judged but they also judge labels too. My art adorned a Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Chardonnay. They made them in this yellow and a soft burgundy colour. They also did a poster of my label and people collect them. You can visit there site: www.justinwine.com

Hee hee -- I love how you've used the word "buzz" here. Very clever! And it reminded me that I enetered a wine label competition earlier this year that I have entered for something like 3 years straight and only ever got as far as the finalists. Maybe this year!

These are really gorgeous, Val! Since I know so little about wine I am one who goes for the labels - this would have won me over instantly. Probably because it captures so well the reasons why people love wine: a soft evenenig melody, a homeground to feel good and safe in, lunar light and being up for a little mischief... eh, well, the latter at least for me.

Oh... those are the most beautiful labels I have ever seen on wine bottles. I'd end up having to buy one of each label (attached to bottle, of course) and then I'd have to make sure the contents of each bottle was worthy of it's label.....

As usual, you surprise me with where you work is... that is something I miss here in France, they don't have very personalised, attention catching labels. It is lovely your illustration. I'd buy the wine on the label :p

(congratulations on your 10th Anniversaire... you both look very happy).

Hi! I found your blog and I like it. Wine!! I love wine, here in Spain we have delicious wines like Rioja, Navarra, Valdepeñas, Catalan cava ( very similar to French champagne). If you are interested on wines you can visit www.lavinia.com Is delicious paradise of wines in Madrid, Barcelona and Paris.Happy New Year!

Oh man! That is so so so cool! I think every artist dreams of one day being able to design a wine label. I know I do! That is really neat, Val.

Say, I wanted to thank you for the wonderful comment you left on my blog about my friend Susan. That was so kind and sweet...and thoughtful to write such a warm response. It was a little tough to 'put it out there', but far far less scary once I read your reassuring words. Kindred spirtis for sure...thank you, Val.